The best cycling routes around Simpelveld

A pleasant tourist resort in the Heuvelland region with good infrastructure (supermarkets and many restaurants)

St. Remigius Church is the parish church of Simpelveld and one of the most important religious and cultural-historical buildings in this South Limburg village. The current church building is a Neo-Romanesque cruciform basilica with three naves, a west tower with a constricted spire, and a round apse. The entire structure is constructed of Kunradersteen, a local variety of limestone characteristic of many historic buildings in the region. However, the history of a church on this site goes back much further. The first written mention of a church in Simpelveld dates back to 1147, when the village was part of the diocese of Liège. The dedication to St. Remigius of Reims is mentioned in a source from 1203, indicating that religious activities took place here as early as the early Middle Ages. The current church building is largely the result of major renovations in the 20th century. Between 1921 and 1925, the church was expanded by architect Caspar Franssen to serve the growing community. A new choir, sacristy, and large transepts were added. Because capacity remained insufficient, the tower and nave were demolished between 1935 and 1937 and replaced with a larger section under the supervision of architect A. Swinkels. Although the church building itself is not a designated national monument, some of the interior elements are part of the Dutch Heritage. Among them, the communion rail, pulpit, organ gallery, and two confessionals (with elements dating from the 18th and 19th centuries) have been registered in the national monument register since 2005 due to their significant cultural-historical value. Architecturally, the St. Remigius Church stands out for its Neo-Romanesque style, with characteristic round-arched windows and the use of Kunrader stone, which gives the building a harmonious appearance that fits well with the landscape and the tradition of South Limburg church architecture. Today the church is still in use as a parish church and is a lively centre for the Roman Catholic community of Simpelveld.

The Gulp River meanders picturesquely through the heart of Gulpen, giving the village its characteristic charm. This clear river originates in Belgium and winds its way through the South Limburg hills, after which the village is named. Along the banks, you'll find old bridges, green banks, and cozy terraces where you can hear the soothing sound of flowing water. The Gulp is the vibrant heart of Gulpen, harmoniously blending nature and village life.

The Gulp is a charming little river that meanders peacefully through the rolling hills of South Limburg. Along its banks, you'll find picturesque villages, old orchards, and winding hiking trails. The clear water, grazing cows, and the gentle murmur of the stream give the valley an almost timeless tranquility.

When there is wind it can be quite tough there.

The "Melting Pot of Evolution" sculpture in Gulpen is an intriguing work of art that symbolizes the evolution of life on Earth. This 3.5-meter-high sculpture, designed by Roermond artist Dolf Wong Lun Hing, was unveiled in 1988 and stands on Deken Schneidersstraat in Gulpen. The sculpture consists of a green granite teardrop shape with a hole in the center. Fish are depicted around the hole, gradually transforming into flying fish and finally into birds. This transition symbolizes the evolution of life from the sea to the present-day hilly landscape of South Limburg. The stone itself represents a primordial form that can be interpreted uniquely by each viewer. The sculpture is made of green granite that was worked in China because the necessary techniques were not available in the Netherlands. At an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters, a boulder was cut and carved in two sections into its current shape.

The Gulp is a true trout stream: fast-flowing and rich in oxygen. Brown trout are therefore common.

In Roman times, the Gulp was called "Galopia" or "Gulippa," meaning "little Gül" or "upper stream." The Gulp is a true trout stream: fast-flowing and rich in oxygen. Brown trout are therefore common. The landscape of the narrow Gulp valley is very similar to that of the Gül: a fascinating variety of deciduous forests, grasslands, fields, marshy banks, ponds, orchards, and sunken lanes.